It's not actually Ella's first pony tail, but it's the first one that stuck for longer than 10 seconds. I've been trying now for awhile to do her hair, but anytime I would even come close with the comb and a rubberband, would shake her head and say "No!" Her emphatic no of course didn't stop me from trying. Through all my attempts, I did realize that the first set of rubberbands that I purchased were completely worthless as I couldn't even get my fingers through them.
Fast forward to the other night, when we were playing in the bedroom. I decided to play hair using my stuff, and Ella actually let me do a "Pebbles" ponytail. I was so excited that I raced her into the bathroom to show her how cute her new hairstyle was. She seemed pretty impressed with it. I think it helped that I too had my hair in a ponytail. I think she also liked admiring herself in the mirror, hence the photo.
We did another ponytail this past weekend and she seemed again okay with it. The main issue now is training Mike and making him comfortable with doing hair. It's important to increase his confidence as he now takes Ella in each morning, and she's typically asleep or just waking up as I leave. This means Mike has the responsibility of getting her ready, so hair duty naturally falls to him. Maybe beauty school is in his future?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Hey, mom you pushed me
So the warning label says, the slip n slide is appropriate for children 3+. That didn't stop us from allowing Ella to try it out. Once she had one gentle push down the slide, she tore up the hill so fast to take another turn. Ella absolutely loved it. Pure joy was written across her face as she came sliding down. No worries, there was plenty of parental supervision, four adults for three kids.
Mike and Jen invited us over on Sunday to test out some of the new toys Aaron got for his birthday. We unfortunately had to miss his party, but appreciated the time to play with the new toys. We originally went there to let Ella tumble around in a moonwalk, but surprisingly, she cried each and every time we tried to get her in the moonwalk. I was a bit flabbergasted as there isn't much this kid won't try if given the opportunity, so witnessing fear from her was unusually for me. Instead, she found joy with the slide n slide. So much in fact that her parents purchased one for her that every night. We can't wait to have Payton over to test it out. We also think it will be a big hit with the neighbor kids.
Mike and Jen invited us over on Sunday to test out some of the new toys Aaron got for his birthday. We unfortunately had to miss his party, but appreciated the time to play with the new toys. We originally went there to let Ella tumble around in a moonwalk, but surprisingly, she cried each and every time we tried to get her in the moonwalk. I was a bit flabbergasted as there isn't much this kid won't try if given the opportunity, so witnessing fear from her was unusually for me. Instead, she found joy with the slide n slide. So much in fact that her parents purchased one for her that every night. We can't wait to have Payton over to test it out. We also think it will be a big hit with the neighbor kids.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Ella tells a funny, knee-slapping joke
Oh my, I think this is one of my favorite new photos of Ella. Uncle Scotty took this while she was hanging out with Tricia and him a few weeks ago. Every time I look at this, I just laugh.
As Tricia says, she wants Ella to think Elmo lives at Uncle Scotty and Auntie T's house. I think she just might. Thanks for sharing the photo, S&T. Hope you don't mind that I posted it, but it's too cute not to share.
More great photos to come of Ms. Ella. She had quite the weekend, including her first experience with a childhood water toy, plus getting to play with her Fairfax cousins. I hope to get them posted in the next day or so. I was scheduled to visit our St. Louis office this week, but it appears I may push that back until August, so I may find myself with some extra time this week.
As Tricia says, she wants Ella to think Elmo lives at Uncle Scotty and Auntie T's house. I think she just might. Thanks for sharing the photo, S&T. Hope you don't mind that I posted it, but it's too cute not to share.
More great photos to come of Ms. Ella. She had quite the weekend, including her first experience with a childhood water toy, plus getting to play with her Fairfax cousins. I hope to get them posted in the next day or so. I was scheduled to visit our St. Louis office this week, but it appears I may push that back until August, so I may find myself with some extra time this week.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Mmmm...I love me some sweet corn
Oh my, Ella cracks me up. She loves to cheese it up for the camera. She happily let Mike snap this photo after she had gnawed on the first half of her ear of corn. The McManigal side will be so happy that Ella has some of that Nebraska blood in her, even if I'm raising her in Kansas.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We've been insanely busy, trying to enjoy life, summer fun and maintaining a crazy balance of quality time with Ella with the work demands. Work for me has been C-R-A-Z-Y. It seems to be subsiding a bit. My boss wouldn't even let me take my computer home the other night. It was a nice break, but I felt like I was missing an appendage. I think I've detoxed well from my addiction.
I hope to better regulate my blogging schedule. I've had lots of posts pop in my head, but I've forgotten the topics by time I find myself sitting at a computer for leisurely fun. For now, I've posted pictures of Ella. It's a random assortment of our past few weeks. Enjoy!
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. We've been insanely busy, trying to enjoy life, summer fun and maintaining a crazy balance of quality time with Ella with the work demands. Work for me has been C-R-A-Z-Y. It seems to be subsiding a bit. My boss wouldn't even let me take my computer home the other night. It was a nice break, but I felt like I was missing an appendage. I think I've detoxed well from my addiction.
I hope to better regulate my blogging schedule. I've had lots of posts pop in my head, but I've forgotten the topics by time I find myself sitting at a computer for leisurely fun. For now, I've posted pictures of Ella. It's a random assortment of our past few weeks. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Ready or Not, Here Comes Ella
Summer is here, complete with multiple trips to the pool. Ella has no fear, which concerns me just a bit, although I do love watching her unbridled enthusiasm. Her favorite area at the pool is the tunnel slide in the kiddie area. She just loves to hoist herself in the tunnel and come barrelling down. The minute she's back on two solid feet, she takes off ready to climb the obstacle course once again where her reward is another trip down the slide.
Friday, June 22, 2007
There are people in there!
I have a full day today, but did want to take a moment to point out the event that Amanda and I witnessed last night. Most who know me I'm pretty much a shuttle geek--so last night I happened to pop on NASA TV online to see what's up with the next shuttle landing--they announced what's called a "sighting opportunity" in just about 20 minutes from when I turned it on.
Cool!
So I check out this website and it lets you know exactly where the space station (and shuttle while its in flight) is located at at all times. So, we went outside and pretty soon what looks like a bright star (the space station) appears out of the north and passes through the brilliant night sky down to the south, and about 45 seconds later following the same track was the space shuttle. It was unreal. Amanda said "I can't believe there are people in there!" I couldn't agree more.
Cool!
So I check out this website and it lets you know exactly where the space station (and shuttle while its in flight) is located at at all times. So, we went outside and pretty soon what looks like a bright star (the space station) appears out of the north and passes through the brilliant night sky down to the south, and about 45 seconds later following the same track was the space shuttle. It was unreal. Amanda said "I can't believe there are people in there!" I couldn't agree more.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Empty House
I miss my girl. She hasn't slept in our house since Monday night. She's been up at Grandma and Grandpa Bowling's house. Daycare was closed Wednesday for a teacher in-service day and we went to the AKUS concert Tuesday night, so the grandparents helped us out by letting Ella stay the night and then kept her on Wednesday. Well, earlier this week, we learned Ella's great grandma from Bloomfield was coming down for a visit. To give her some extra time with Ella, she stayed over an additional night. I understand everyone's having a ball together, but I can't wait to see my little girl tonight.
It's so foreign to be at home and not have her here. The house is definitely missing some energy. Mike and I found it so odd that we didn't spend much time in the house. Once we finally got home last night, we popped in videos from Ella's early days and watched them before heading to bed. I miss my baby. I miss her silly laugh and her wild energy.
It's so foreign to be at home and not have her here. The house is definitely missing some energy. Mike and I found it so odd that we didn't spend much time in the house. Once we finally got home last night, we popped in videos from Ella's early days and watched them before heading to bed. I miss my baby. I miss her silly laugh and her wild energy.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Just for the sake...
Can I just say that I'm happy that summer is almost here? Man I just can't get enough of the summer. Not that I HATE the winter. Just that I can't stand the month of February and March (weather-wise). Basically I just get to the point where I'm just ready to kick the cold weather to the curb and get outside all of the time!
At lunch today I found an awesome site: ClientCopia. It basically is a collection of conversations, stories, quotes from clients that really are clueless. I've had my share, and I'm very happy to know that I'm not the only one.
My Father's day was good. Spend the morning with my whole family at Granite City up north in Zona Rosa. It was good eats for sure. We came home--took a nice family nap for an hour and then we did some shopping for some much needed supplies. My wife and daughter gave me an AWESOME gift: Tickets to both the Busch and NEXTEL Cup races in September and then tix to the Truck and Indy car race in April of 2008. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm very excited because I'll also be going with Scott (Amanda's brother) and his girlfriend Holly. We should really have a great time. I might drink a beer too.
or 4.
At lunch today I found an awesome site: ClientCopia. It basically is a collection of conversations, stories, quotes from clients that really are clueless. I've had my share, and I'm very happy to know that I'm not the only one.
My Father's day was good. Spend the morning with my whole family at Granite City up north in Zona Rosa. It was good eats for sure. We came home--took a nice family nap for an hour and then we did some shopping for some much needed supplies. My wife and daughter gave me an AWESOME gift: Tickets to both the Busch and NEXTEL Cup races in September and then tix to the Truck and Indy car race in April of 2008. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm very excited because I'll also be going with Scott (Amanda's brother) and his girlfriend Holly. We should really have a great time. I might drink a beer too.
or 4.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Learning our Quack, Moo, Meows
Its been a little bit since out last post (okay, AMANDA'S last post) and we have just be busy bees as usual!
Amanda's had a bout with some sort of viral sickness that we aren't quite sure what it was, but all I know is she was just plum pooped for most of the week. And of course Ella was sick as well on Wednesday, so Amanda had to take care of both herself and Ella-bella who really could have been okay to go to daycare in hindsight. But thankfully Amanda is back up to about 95 percent and getting back to her usual witty self. And is currently beating me up for not grabbing her free Sheridan's the other night when she was sick. (There was a free concrete promotion going on that day) So, yes, I'm a bad hubby.
Ella is finally through all of her medication for her Scarlet fever and seems to be back up to full speed. We can tell because both of her knees are back to being skinned! Amanda and I had our quarterly parent-teacher conference with her daycare provider and seems to be doing good! She's getting good marks in most all areas. Some things she's way ahead in!
Ella has been learning all the animal sounds this last couple of weeks. She has been putting up with her parents saying "what does a ________ say?" for about 3 days now. I give it 3 more days and she's going to be taking the next buggy ride out of town. She really is talking/babbling quite a bit. She sure keeps Amanda and I entertained even though most of the time its been incoherent. Although most people are used to hearing it from me!
Looks like our first trip to pool is in our future this weekend, as well as Father's day--which is awesome. We also may try to hit up Rhythm and Ribs fest down at 18th and Vine. Should be a hot one!
Amanda's had a bout with some sort of viral sickness that we aren't quite sure what it was, but all I know is she was just plum pooped for most of the week. And of course Ella was sick as well on Wednesday, so Amanda had to take care of both herself and Ella-bella who really could have been okay to go to daycare in hindsight. But thankfully Amanda is back up to about 95 percent and getting back to her usual witty self. And is currently beating me up for not grabbing her free Sheridan's the other night when she was sick. (There was a free concrete promotion going on that day) So, yes, I'm a bad hubby.
Ella is finally through all of her medication for her Scarlet fever and seems to be back up to full speed. We can tell because both of her knees are back to being skinned! Amanda and I had our quarterly parent-teacher conference with her daycare provider and seems to be doing good! She's getting good marks in most all areas. Some things she's way ahead in!
Ella has been learning all the animal sounds this last couple of weeks. She has been putting up with her parents saying "what does a ________ say?" for about 3 days now. I give it 3 more days and she's going to be taking the next buggy ride out of town. She really is talking/babbling quite a bit. She sure keeps Amanda and I entertained even though most of the time its been incoherent. Although most people are used to hearing it from me!
Looks like our first trip to pool is in our future this weekend, as well as Father's day--which is awesome. We also may try to hit up Rhythm and Ribs fest down at 18th and Vine. Should be a hot one!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Can I just get a hug?
I know the photo is a little overexposed, but I like it just the same. No worries, Ella's fit of frustration was only a mere moment. We don't live a sitcom life, so the kid does get upset now and then.
Overall, Ella is continuing to amaze and delight us. She's recovering from yet another illness. During a trip to Children's Mercy South Sunday, we discovered that Ella was fighting scarlet fever. Luckily, we live in the word of antibiotics, so Ella was back to her happy normal self after a few doses.
A few new cute things she's doing lately:
- She points out the moon once it appears. Mike taught her it one night and each night we are outside, Ella is searching for it and uttering the word.
- The minute she hears a plane, she points to the sky and tries to find it. The love of planes must be in the genes.
- She waves bye bye as we leave the park. Most nights the park is empty when we leave, yet she still turns around as we walk up the sidewalk and waves and says "bye bye." I see it as her way of saying this was a special time, thanks for letting me play.
- She can identify Elmo, depending on your personal feelings, this could be a travesty, but for now, we think it's adorable.
Payton was over this week for an overnight visit. I've always enjoyed having Payton, but now I enjoy it even more because Ella lights up when she sees Payton. For being over three years apart, they certainly share a special bond. Ella is so fascinated with Payton, and I think we get great belly laughs from Ella, but Payton gets the best laughs out of her, it even sounds different.
Payton and Ella will get even more time together as Payton will be hanging out with Mike and Ella while Rene and I are celebrating Kim's upcoming nuptials with a girl's night gathering.
Crayons, one of the five basic food groups for tots
Since I posted an upset photo of Ella, I thought I better post a sweet photo of her. She loves to color, but coloring time never lasts too long because the crayons always end up in the mouth.
More pictures have been posted lately to the flickr account, including ones from Jazzoo, which I think is the best party in KC. Mike and I had the best time, who wouldn't any time you get to wear flip flops with a party dress. It's cute and comfy all at the same time.
More pictures have been posted lately to the flickr account, including ones from Jazzoo, which I think is the best party in KC. Mike and I had the best time, who wouldn't any time you get to wear flip flops with a party dress. It's cute and comfy all at the same time.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Ella the Gardener
Here's Ella helping mommy plant some pots this past weekend. She loves to get dirty. She also loves to be mommy's little helper. (I'm loving this stage, but I know it won't last forever.) She so enjoyed helping me clean out the weeds from the flower beds that she now considers every blade of grass to be a weed. It's too cute to watch her sit down on the lawn and so deliberately weed the grass.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Another Poop Adventure and Memorial Day Recap
Ella has been battling a bad case of diaper rash. Our trusty Airbonne product is working well, but the rash keeps coming back. After bath time, we let Ella run around naked. While this does carry some inherit risks, we've been fortunate enough to avoid any disasters. That was until last night. Ella and I were playing peekaboo complete with high energy and lots of laughs while Mike picked up her room a bit. Ella positioned herself in her closet door frame. After a few peekaboo repetitions, she stopped and stayed a few seconds longer behind the frame. She then came darting out of the closet. In all her trailblazing, she lovingly dropped a healthy turd on her bedroom floor before she ran away with such enthusiasm. Mike and I burst out laughing. Ella's left a lot in her wake before, but never such a gift like this. We were fortunate enough it was solid which made for very easy clean up. It was nothing like the great poop escape of the early months, but still worthy of a post.
Memorial Day weekend has ended and it's back to work. I think all weekends should be three day ones. It actually felt like a nice break from work. Mike and I kicked off the weekend with a wedding. Mike's former co-worker Lauren was married on Saturday. It was a very beautiful wedding and mighty tasty! Some of the best crab cakes I've had in the landlocked Midwest. She's a former co-worker because they are moving to Oregon very soon, so her new husband can begin his dental practice. Mike was so very disappointed to see Lauren leave t2 (very happy for her of course, Lauren was a real asset to Mike in the tech room), but he was just sad as we were leaving her reception. Tears welled in his eyes as we walked down the stairs. He commented that this might be the last time he sees her. My heart just ached for him. If I could get him to do a post, I'm sure he would write about how much he truly enjoyed working with Lauren. He might also comment on how she managed to tolerate Mike's non-stop Jack Johnson stage. As for me, I certainly hope it wasn't the last time we see Lauren and Brandon. They truly are a great couple and they were one of the few fortunate ones who've had the pleasure of babysitting Ella. We wish them the best in Oregon.
As for us, the rest of the weekend was spent focused on house projects, which included painting the beam in our kitchen, cleaning flower beds and planting some pots. I have some great pictures of Ella helping mommy which I'll try to post. We managed to squeeze some fun in there as well. Before I forget, we also have our Vue back. Yeah!! It's shaping up to be a busy week and being that it's almost 3 am. I better try and get some sleep. It appears my good friend Mr. Insomnia is back. The last two nights haven't been sleepy happy.
Memorial Day weekend has ended and it's back to work. I think all weekends should be three day ones. It actually felt like a nice break from work. Mike and I kicked off the weekend with a wedding. Mike's former co-worker Lauren was married on Saturday. It was a very beautiful wedding and mighty tasty! Some of the best crab cakes I've had in the landlocked Midwest. She's a former co-worker because they are moving to Oregon very soon, so her new husband can begin his dental practice. Mike was so very disappointed to see Lauren leave t2 (very happy for her of course, Lauren was a real asset to Mike in the tech room), but he was just sad as we were leaving her reception. Tears welled in his eyes as we walked down the stairs. He commented that this might be the last time he sees her. My heart just ached for him. If I could get him to do a post, I'm sure he would write about how much he truly enjoyed working with Lauren. He might also comment on how she managed to tolerate Mike's non-stop Jack Johnson stage. As for me, I certainly hope it wasn't the last time we see Lauren and Brandon. They truly are a great couple and they were one of the few fortunate ones who've had the pleasure of babysitting Ella. We wish them the best in Oregon.
As for us, the rest of the weekend was spent focused on house projects, which included painting the beam in our kitchen, cleaning flower beds and planting some pots. I have some great pictures of Ella helping mommy which I'll try to post. We managed to squeeze some fun in there as well. Before I forget, we also have our Vue back. Yeah!! It's shaping up to be a busy week and being that it's almost 3 am. I better try and get some sleep. It appears my good friend Mr. Insomnia is back. The last two nights haven't been sleepy happy.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Convictions, Grisham and Flooding
I had counted on this week being crazy, exhausting and a little fun, but I didn't count on a sick kid or water in our basement. It was quite the week. The definite high was participating in an event that was an overwhelming success and then knowing it was over. The low was waking up Monday morning, finding ourselves ready at 6:45 am for our Parents as Teacher meeting at 7 am, only to walk downstairs and find water in our basement. The surprises continued when Ella woke up with a 100 degree temp. She had been running a temp on Sunday and was quite clingy to mom. I could have taken her to daycare, but I felt she deserved a little extra TLC, which she got from dad and grandma.
I finally headed into work around 11:30. This wasn't a week that I could miss any work. Best-selling author John Grisham came to town for a benefit for the Midwestern Innocence Project. I helped with the PR for the event and the press avail that happened before the big dinner that featured Grisham as the speaker. It was quite the experience. From a PR perspective, we had a decent amount of press -- KMBZ, Fox 4, KMBC and the Star featured the event either before and/or after. The day after the event, the Star ran a picture of Grisham above the fold and then did a larger article on B2. That was a big win.
As for the actual event, it was a powerful evening. Prior to Grisham speaking about his experience writing the book, The Innocent Man, Dennis Fritz, one of the men featured in the book and a KC native, told his story -- as an individual serving a life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. He was behind bars for 12 years before he was finally freed. It was so quiet in the hall when Grisham and Fritz were on the stage. All normal background noises were completely absent, no side conversations, no coughing, no one left their chair to use the restroom. Their stories consumed me.
As for my evening, I was fortunate enough to get Grisham to autograph my book as well as a photo from the press avail. I also got a a picture with him. I'll post that once I have it. As my co-worker said, I look like I have a coat hanger jammed in my mouth. I found Grisham to be so down to earth and such a southern gentleman. After the press avail, Grisham and a small handful of MIP board members had a few drinks at the bar while the VIP room was being set up. I stopped by the bar a few times to check in with others in the bar. I never approached Grisham's table. Only later did I learn, the Stinson attorney I worked with on this event attempted to motion me to join them multiple times. I would have thoroughly enjoyed that conversation, but I actually was quite busy with last minute details. As much as I appreciated the experience, I was euphoric on Friday knowing the event was over and how successful it had been. As one social lady said on her way out the door, "I attend so many of these things that I hardly make it to the end of any event, but I was riveted."
I hope to resume my normal schedule now that the event is history. Work will continue to be busy until I catch up on all the work I pushed aside for this event. I am looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day and Mike's birthday tomorrow. Outside of witnessing Luke getting baptized, we don't have too many concrete plans.
I finally headed into work around 11:30. This wasn't a week that I could miss any work. Best-selling author John Grisham came to town for a benefit for the Midwestern Innocence Project. I helped with the PR for the event and the press avail that happened before the big dinner that featured Grisham as the speaker. It was quite the experience. From a PR perspective, we had a decent amount of press -- KMBZ, Fox 4, KMBC and the Star featured the event either before and/or after. The day after the event, the Star ran a picture of Grisham above the fold and then did a larger article on B2. That was a big win.
As for the actual event, it was a powerful evening. Prior to Grisham speaking about his experience writing the book, The Innocent Man, Dennis Fritz, one of the men featured in the book and a KC native, told his story -- as an individual serving a life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. He was behind bars for 12 years before he was finally freed. It was so quiet in the hall when Grisham and Fritz were on the stage. All normal background noises were completely absent, no side conversations, no coughing, no one left their chair to use the restroom. Their stories consumed me.
As for my evening, I was fortunate enough to get Grisham to autograph my book as well as a photo from the press avail. I also got a a picture with him. I'll post that once I have it. As my co-worker said, I look like I have a coat hanger jammed in my mouth. I found Grisham to be so down to earth and such a southern gentleman. After the press avail, Grisham and a small handful of MIP board members had a few drinks at the bar while the VIP room was being set up. I stopped by the bar a few times to check in with others in the bar. I never approached Grisham's table. Only later did I learn, the Stinson attorney I worked with on this event attempted to motion me to join them multiple times. I would have thoroughly enjoyed that conversation, but I actually was quite busy with last minute details. As much as I appreciated the experience, I was euphoric on Friday knowing the event was over and how successful it had been. As one social lady said on her way out the door, "I attend so many of these things that I hardly make it to the end of any event, but I was riveted."
I hope to resume my normal schedule now that the event is history. Work will continue to be busy until I catch up on all the work I pushed aside for this event. I am looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day and Mike's birthday tomorrow. Outside of witnessing Luke getting baptized, we don't have too many concrete plans.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Accepting Liability
Thank goodness. Yesterday, we finally heard from the adjustor and the insurance company for the trucking company is accepting that the accident was their fault. I thought getting the ticket the night of the accident determined that, but a "thorough" investigation by an "independent" adjustor needed to take place first. After four VERY long weeks and several favors later, we once again will be a two-vehicle household. With the current gas prices, there have been some benefits to having only one car.
After an exhausting work week, our weekend is shaping up to be low key. We decided against going to a college reunion and plan to just enjoy being at home. It's our neighborhood garage sale, so we're planning to hit that. Maybe run a few errands and just play with our beautiful daughter. Tomorrow is "G'Day at the K" and the Royals are giving away koala bears. With Ella a Koala at daycare, it seems fitting that we hit that game. It will be her first for this season, but her third overall. She wasn't mobile at her other games, so this one will be a new experience. I'll have to post pictures after the adventure.
After an exhausting work week, our weekend is shaping up to be low key. We decided against going to a college reunion and plan to just enjoy being at home. It's our neighborhood garage sale, so we're planning to hit that. Maybe run a few errands and just play with our beautiful daughter. Tomorrow is "G'Day at the K" and the Royals are giving away koala bears. With Ella a Koala at daycare, it seems fitting that we hit that game. It will be her first for this season, but her third overall. She wasn't mobile at her other games, so this one will be a new experience. I'll have to post pictures after the adventure.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Thoughts from the Seattle Space Needle
I'm typing this as we enjoy the sights from the top of the space needle (posting this though a day later). It's a beautiful view. Even with the cloudy skies and rain, I can see why people enjoy living here. Our first day was spent soaking up the sights and sounds of Seattle. We just walked around the city, mainly Pike's Market. It's been a good day, but it's been tough for me to transition from being a mom to being a tourist. I miss my little girl. At first, all I wanted to do was grab a cab and take the first flight back to KC. Everywhere I looked there were kids and families enjoying time together. I felt so empty and I found myself not appreciating my surroundings or the experience.
I finally convinced myself that I'm on vacation and I can spend the entire time wishing I was with Ella. Yet, it wouldn't be until I am back in KC that I would realize what an amazing opportunity I had missed and I would find myself regretting how I wasted this time. I also realized that I can miss her and yet enjoy this time without her. Having fun without her is not a knock against me as a mom or diminish the love I have her. While I realize to most that this is a no brainer, for me, it's taken a day to comprehend. I also don't want Mike thinking that our time alone isn't important.
The hourly reports we receive from the local Smithville authorities is that Ella is doing great and getting along just fine. I didn't have any doubts, and knowing how much fun she is having is helping us to enjoy the trip. Unfortunately the last image we saw as we walked away from her was a very upset little girl crying in the window. It's a hard image to erase from my mind.
We are off to hit the Pike Pub Brewery next to the market and then we plan to join Chera and her boyfriend Mike for a tasty dinner at Purple, a local wine bar.
I finally convinced myself that I'm on vacation and I can spend the entire time wishing I was with Ella. Yet, it wouldn't be until I am back in KC that I would realize what an amazing opportunity I had missed and I would find myself regretting how I wasted this time. I also realized that I can miss her and yet enjoy this time without her. Having fun without her is not a knock against me as a mom or diminish the love I have her. While I realize to most that this is a no brainer, for me, it's taken a day to comprehend. I also don't want Mike thinking that our time alone isn't important.
The hourly reports we receive from the local Smithville authorities is that Ella is doing great and getting along just fine. I didn't have any doubts, and knowing how much fun she is having is helping us to enjoy the trip. Unfortunately the last image we saw as we walked away from her was a very upset little girl crying in the window. It's a hard image to erase from my mind.
We are off to hit the Pike Pub Brewery next to the market and then we plan to join Chera and her boyfriend Mike for a tasty dinner at Purple, a local wine bar.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Deanna Rose
I love Deanna Rose. It's a gem, and where we spent some quality family time today. It was created as a memorial to a fallen police officer. I think it's a great way to honor that officer, especially considering my personal history.
It's high on my list of suggested places for my mom to do with Ella. Brian and she will be watching her while Mike and I are in Seattle on a much needed RR&R trip (that's rest, relaxation and romance). We leave Tuesday -- Larry & Glenda have her until my mom comes down. I'm so excited to see Chera, my friend since college and Mike's since high school. I just can't believe I won't see Ella's gorgeous face every day.
Today, Ella didn't let her young age of 14 months prevent her from keeping up with the big kids. She may be small, but she's one determined kid. Sharing is one concept we don't understand, especially when it comes to the slide. We try, but I think it's a bit beyond her scope.
As for me, I'm still in pain. The drugs definitely help as long as I don't miss a dose. I definitely can sense when it's time for another pill. I don't need a clock to know. I am trying to take this in stride but honestly I feel like a decrepit woman. I hope after this trip I will feel like a rejuvenated woman and mom.
It's high on my list of suggested places for my mom to do with Ella. Brian and she will be watching her while Mike and I are in Seattle on a much needed RR&R trip (that's rest, relaxation and romance). We leave Tuesday -- Larry & Glenda have her until my mom comes down. I'm so excited to see Chera, my friend since college and Mike's since high school. I just can't believe I won't see Ella's gorgeous face every day.
Today, Ella didn't let her young age of 14 months prevent her from keeping up with the big kids. She may be small, but she's one determined kid. Sharing is one concept we don't understand, especially when it comes to the slide. We try, but I think it's a bit beyond her scope.
As for me, I'm still in pain. The drugs definitely help as long as I don't miss a dose. I definitely can sense when it's time for another pill. I don't need a clock to know. I am trying to take this in stride but honestly I feel like a decrepit woman. I hope after this trip I will feel like a rejuvenated woman and mom.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Shingles
I thought shingles was something that only struck old people. Well, I learned today that anyone who previously had chicken pox can get shingles, and that's what I have. I also learned it hurts. At least it explains the pain I am in. For most of this week, I have been experiencing some rather strong bouts of pain radiating from my mid-back to around the front. I chalked it up to sleeping wrong or pulling a muscle while working out. The pain though wasn't responding to ibuprofen and I had enough, so I made an appointment yesterday to visit the doc today. When I woke up this morning, I discovered a lovely rash on my back. The doctor took one look at the rash and knew. She said this was my body's way of saying, "I'm important. Pay attention to me and slow down"
While I would love to get 8 hours of sleep every night, workout 5 times a week, we talked my reality, not my dream world. She encouraged me to start small -- restart taking a daily multi-vitamin and try to go to bed at least a 1/2 hour earlier. We also discussed my current stress level. All she really had to offer was empathy, but she gave me something even better, some good painkillers. Although, I had to hold off taking them. A side-effect is drowsiness, so I didn't think as a responsible parent I should take them unless Ella was comfortably asleep in her crib. When she finally was, I popped two, which I had permission to do at night. I feel better but I was hoping for more of a relief. I hope that will come once I know Mike has safely landed and is back home. Thank goodness, he comes back tonight. With the way I've been feeling, I'm more than ready for another set of hands.
While I would love to get 8 hours of sleep every night, workout 5 times a week, we talked my reality, not my dream world. She encouraged me to start small -- restart taking a daily multi-vitamin and try to go to bed at least a 1/2 hour earlier. We also discussed my current stress level. All she really had to offer was empathy, but she gave me something even better, some good painkillers. Although, I had to hold off taking them. A side-effect is drowsiness, so I didn't think as a responsible parent I should take them unless Ella was comfortably asleep in her crib. When she finally was, I popped two, which I had permission to do at night. I feel better but I was hoping for more of a relief. I hope that will come once I know Mike has safely landed and is back home. Thank goodness, he comes back tonight. With the way I've been feeling, I'm more than ready for another set of hands.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Back to Vegas Baby
I miss my husband. He is in Vegas attending the NAB show. I am so excited that he has this opportunity. He has always wanted to attend this show and from our many phone conversations, he truly is soaking up every moment. He'll be back late Wednesday night and I can't wait to see him. I just miss his presence.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter
Happy Easter! It's been a busy morning so far with church, a stop at Panera for a french toast bagel, car wash and an inside Easter egg hunt. And now we're off to a family dinner. I hope some time today to get a cherry limeade which I've been craving, but has been off limit since I gave up pop for lent.
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
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